The right way to save seeds is different for certain kinds of plants, so in order to keep it short, I’ve simply outlined the generalities below. If you want more information, a good online resource is the “International Seed Saving Institute” website.

When Are They Ready

The leaves will turn yellow and start to die

The seeds/pods will start to turn yellow/brown

The pods will be dry, and the seeds will start to rattle in the pods.

The plant will generally start to fall down, wilt, etc.

What Do You Do?

Cut the stalk off at the base

Find a place that is dry and out of the weather

Hang the stalk upside down and let it dry out for a couple weeks

When the seeds or seed pods are nice and dry, remove them from the stalk

Put the seeds in a container and store them somewhere cool and dry until next year.

Seed saving has been a part of human agriculture for thousands of years, and this ancient practice is no less relevant now than it was before the time of Caesar, Hammurabi or the time of the Pharaohs. If you happen to have planted any heirloom vegetables in your garden this year, leave some to go to seed and try saving some seeds this year, you will not regret it!